The second reading of Jim Fitzpatrick’s Bill to ban the use of wild animals in circuses was blocked on the 5th September in the House of Commons. This is common practice and something which is disappointing, but not unexpected.

The second reading has been rescheduled for the 17th October, and that day is fast approaching!

If you have not done so yet, please write to your MP to ask them to support the Bill at its rescheduled second reading on the 17th October.

Please click the link below to find the email address for your MP now and send that email before it’s too late!

Background to the Bill

On the 3rd September 2014, Jim Fitzpatrick MP brought forward his “Ten Minute Rule Bill” to ban the use of wild animals in English circuses.

The “first reading” carried out in Parliament is the first of a number of steps needed if we are to see Jim’s Bill become the long-awaited law which will see an end to the suffering of wild animals exploited by the circus industry. The Bill passed on that day to the second reading stage unopposed, which is promising news, but there is still much to be done

It is widely accepted that Bills introduced by backbench MPs are notoriously difficult to get onto the statute book so it is absolutely vital that we take every step possible to support the Bill before its second reading on the 17th October.

That’s why we are asking you to write immediately to your MP to ask them that they support Jim Fitzpatrick’s Bill to ban wild animal circuses.

Please click the link to find the email address for your MP now and send that email before it’s too late!

“Despite promise after promise, the government has failed to come good for the animals still being exploited daily by UK circuses. This is an opportunity to make our voices heard. We know that you have written time and time again to officials on this issue but we need you to do it again. Please act now if you haven’t already”.

CAPS and campaign partners at the Born Free Foundation, British Veterinary Association and the RSPCA, along with other animal protection groups and individual campaigners, have worked to see this ban implemented for decades.

As part of a joint initiative in the last few months, over 2,000 emails have been sent from CAPS supporters to David Cameron and Nick Clegg asking them to honour the government’s promise to ban.

A public consultation in 2010 saw 95% of respondents calling for an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.